Finding My Way Back to the Wind: Jeanette's Sailing Story
For Jeanette, sailing has always been about freedom and presence - being in the moment. Her sailing journey began nearly thirty years ago when she rented a place on the Bay of Green Bay. “I bought a Sunfish and tried to teach myself to sail,” she recalls. “I loved sailing by myself. I kept my boat on the beach - it was always ready to go.”
Back then, Green Bay Sail & Paddle didn’t yet exist, and although UWGB had offered lessons in earlier years, Jeanette missed that window. “I mostly learned by doing - though honestly, I didn’t know what I was doing,” she laughs. “But when I was out on the water, all I could think about was finding more time to sail. I fell in love with it.”
Years later, Jeanette and her husband became slip holders at South Bay Marina - just as Green Bay Sail & Paddle was getting started on the beach. “That’s how I first heard about GBSP. I enrolled my sons in lessons, and they loved it!”
After stepping away from boating for a while, Jeanette sold their powerboat in late 2020 and soon felt the call of the water again - this time, to return to sailing. “My first class was a Women’s Basic Sailing class in 2023,” she says. “It was a small group, so we got a lot of one-on-one instruction. After that, I took Basic Sailing 2 the same summer. I started to feel like I actually knew what I was doing!”
Having watched the classes from the marina over the years, Jeanette knew what to expect before joining. “I was excited to sail and so grateful for this resource right here in Green Bay.”
When describing her experience, her words are vivid and heartfelt: “It felt really empowering - and scary at the same time! I’ve realized I always feel completely in the moment when sailing. It feels so good - the sights, the sounds, the smells (even when the bay’s at its worst!), and the feel of the water and wind.”
Jeanette didn’t stop there. “I did it again! I enrolled in Winds & Waves Weekly Sailing this past summer. Next summer, I’d love to do it again - and if my schedule allows, I want to sign up for Tuesday Night Racing.”
The weekly sailing format was exactly what she needed. “It was perfect - some instruction, but mostly lots of time on the water. I’m so grateful for everyone who helped found this organization and for the volunteers and donors who keep it going. Without GBSP, I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to sail again. I don’t have friends who sail - it’s something I’ve always wanted to pursue.”
When she’s not on the water, Jeanette keeps busy with other creative and active pursuits. “I’m currently taking an adult beginning ballet class through spring - I think it’ll help me stay flexible and improve my balance for next sailing season! I also enjoy creating art.
This summer brought an especially exciting milestone - the purchase of her very own sailboat. “In late July, I bought a small used Zuma. While camping in Door County, I sailed it around the waters near Peninsula State Park. It was amazing!”
